Production of intestinal gas is a normal process that affects everyone. It is primarily caused by the accumulation of ingested air in the gut (mostly taken in when we eat), as well as by the fermentation by gut bacteria of certain non- or low-digestible carbohydrates (such as FODMAPs) (1-2). The resulting gas is then released in the form of flatulence: healthy males, for example, pass wind around 14 times a day on average, mainly after meals (3).
Some people, however, suffer from excessive flatulence. This is normally the result of over-fermentation, abnormally long retention of air in the intestinal tract, or the presence of certain bacteria in the gut flora. Occasionally, it can be caused by malabsorption or a food intolerance.
Though harmless in itself, flatulence is often synonymous with social embarrassment and digestive discomfort. It is sometimes accompanied by bloating, abdominal distension or pressure, loud gurgling (or borborygmi to use the medical term), and even pain in the navel and lower abdomen areas (5).
Also known as activated carbon, activated charcoal is made from a carbon-rich raw material. This can be either animal-source (bone) or plant-source (wood, coconut shells …)
Unlike the charcoal we use for barbecues, activated charcoal undergoes various treatments which profoundly change its structure. The aim is to increase its surface area and make it more porous.
With lots of small holes in its sponge-like surface, activated charcoal easily captures and retains a whole host of undesirable compounds: this is known as adsorption. As our ancient forebears guessed, it is this property – exploited by Hippocrates himself – which is responsible for its many therapeutic applications, particularly in the areas of decontamination and detoxification (6-7).
This structural transformation takes place in two stages:
It’s now recognized that activated charcoal helps to reduce excessive post-prandial flatulence (8). So by extension, it also has a beneficial effect on associated bloating, by relieving the abdominal area of this ‘weight of air’. But how does it actually do this?
Once ingested, activated charcoal reaches the gut intact: it is neither denatured nor altered by digestion (9).
It’s at this point that its adsorption properties come into play. With a negative electrical charge, its outer surface attracts positively-charged particles – including gases and certain toxins – trapping them in its pores. Like a magnet, but on a microscopic scale!
Though it’s tempting to use the sponge metaphor, it’s not strictly accurate. The substances captured do not get through to the heart of the charcoaled structure (unlike water which seeps into the foam of a sponge). They remain on the surface, settling in the cavities created by the activation – like a key entering a lock.
Though neutralized, the adsorbed compounds are not physically destroyed: they complete their journey anchored to the charcoal, right up to the end of the digestive tract, where they are then excreted via stools.
Although the mechanisms responsible require further clarification, activated charcoal may, by trapping certain waste-products in its net, have a direct effect on gut microbiota composition. Scientists are currently investigating its use as an adjuvant to those antibiotics likely to disrupt the balance of bacterial flora (10).
And it seems that an unstable flora with little diversity may be associated with lower tolerance to intestinal gases (11).
Depending on the activation process used, activated charcoal has varying degrees of porosity which determines the type of molecule adsorbed. Trapping gases requires very narrow pores (sometimes less than a nanometer) (12).
And the quality of the raw material used influences the number and size of pores obtained (13).
It’s best, then, to opt for a plant-source activated charcoal with a sufficiently granular micropore network, which will ensure more effective adsorption of intestinal gases (the supplement Charcoal, obtained from a resinous wood, is activated to produce ultra-fine porosity).
References
2 Days
10/13/24 Y ou were a bit slow to respond, but still helpful.
David Rolston
7 Days
I received wehat I ordered in a tiomely fashion. Great job to the whole staff 👏
Monica P
7 Days
Pomises products that work.Fast shipping. Will recommend to family and friends.
NEW Virginia
8 Days
Excellent product. Timely delivery. Only had one issue over the last few years. Great. Thanks
LEGG Jennifer
11 Days
I trust this company and product as I tolerate the bacillus coagulans very well and feel better overall when I am taking it . Thank you for offerring this product as a company . And thank you for an easy ordering process.
Barbara J
12 Days
Always fast & quick service/delivery. Top products
Brett
14 Days
The peanut sugar free one was very rancid tasting… the nuts were old. Everything else was amazing
MOORE Jennifer
17 Days
I purchase hyaluronic acid from Super Smart because it's the highest Dalton rating I could find. Shipping could be a day or two faster.
Kathy
21 Days
Fast shipping; availability of products.
Paul
32 Days
Above and beyond
DOMINIC
33 Days
The discount paves way to try new products.
Larry
33 Days
Professional and timely
TOMASINO Anthony
35 Days
Rapid order! All comes when expected.
NEW Virginia
36 Days
1- website easy to navigate and understand the different products 2- easy to order 3- superb timely shipping 4- excellent product 5- best customer service not just in the industry but overall!
Mohamad Hussein
36 Days
This was a reorder and fortunately you offered a discount. It was received as promised.
El Capt